Help with securing my dog!

[Sthronds]

Ok, all you geniuses, I need some help. Here's the thing. My dog Coral has slept in a dog pen since her second day with me at 2 months old. She'll be 3 in a couple of weeks. This is a big pen and it is in the living room. She has blankets, a bed, water, and a toy in there. She only uses it at night and has always been very good about sleeping. A couple nights ago, she dug and somehow lifted the pen and got out, hurting her nose in the process. She dug last night until she was scolded.

I don't want this to happen again so I am trying to come up with a way to secure the pen. My dad suggested adding wire underneath but I don't want to do that because if she does dig, I don't want her cutting up her feet.

Here's my plan. I want to get a cheep rug or carpet remnant to put the pen on, this will protect my carpet. I was thinking that if I could somehow clamp the rug to the pen, this would prevent it from being lifted and she might give up. Do you think this would work? What kind of clamps would I need? Would clamping it on two sides keep it down? You are all so smart, I'm sure you can help! (yes, I'm kissing up. . . )

 

[magicmato]

I can't help you other than to suggest getting a crate. We have one for each of our dogs (80+ lbs and 40 lbs) and they work great. Of course, our 40 lb dog is a Parsons Russell/Pointer mix and can climb and jump over any fence or gate we have.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You need to get a crate. "Securing" a pen is just not safe in the long run.

 

[Disney Doll]

I would agree with getting her a crate. They have them in all sizes. Don't make it like a punishment area though.

Our dog is crate trained, and he love shi crate. He thinks of it like his den, where he goes to hang out and relax. We always give him a cookie and his cuddle toy when he is in there, so he never thinks he's being punished.

 

[disneyaggie]

When read your post, my first thought was "why is the dog all of sudden doing this"?

You may want to consult your vet and ask him or her what the reason(s) may be, if anything at all.

Good luck and keep us posted!